Fireweed Community Market, Whitehorse, Yukon

Garlic Chives at Fireweed Community Market Whitehorse Yukon
Beautiful summer produce at Elemental Farms’ stall.

The deep pink-purple plant that grows prolifically on Yukon roadsides has given its name to a wonderful little market in Whitehorse, Canada. Held on the waterfront on Thursdays during summer, it’s been going for about 10 years and, just as the name implies, has a happy community feel to it.

On my visit last week, there was live entertainment, llamas and a donkey to amuse the kids, and stalls selling local produce, baked goods, plants, and a lovely selection of Yukon arts and crafts.

Fireweed Market Whitehorse

There was a food van selling elk and beef burgers, and a stall selling Klondike Kettle Corn – really delicious with judicious use of sugar and salt. They’re a local success story, I was told, and their popcorn can be found in Whitehorse’s progressive little supermarket, Wykes Independent Grocer.

Baked bread Fireweed Community Market Whitehorse

This season has seen an unusually early start to Yukon’s summer produce and there was a veritable bounty of beautiful greens at several stalls, including Anarchy Farms, a greenhouse and nursery on Marsh Lake; and Elemental Farm, on the Takhini River Road.

Elemental Farm Whitehorse Yukon
Elemental Farm near Whitehorse sells 25 varieties of organically grown salad greens.

Elemental’s owners, Kate Mechan and Bart Bounds, farm their property organically, although it is not yet certified. They produce a surprising amount of food from just under two acres, including 25 varieties of salad greens, carrots, turnips, beets, herbs, and greenhouse crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers. They have laying hens and also farm broilers, turkeys and rabbits.

Shiela Alexandrovich, of Whitehorse, with her beautiful wool art.
Shiela Alexandrovich, of Whitehorse, with her beautiful wool art.
Food Van Fireweed Community Market Whitehorse
Fancy an elk burger? Or perhaps a beef burger?

We picked up delicious goodies from The Maple Rush, made by Whitehorse local Richard Beaudoin who brings in maple syrup from Quebec and turns it into toffee, maple butter and dainty maple pastries.

 

Popcorn Stall Kettle Corn Fireweed Community Market Whitehorse

Popcorn Stall Kettle Corn Fireweed Community Market Whitehorse

If you happen to be in Whitehorse on a Thursday night this summer, you’ll find plenty of great things to do after you’ve been to the market. Jump on the waterfront trolley and go to the MacBride Museum where there is live music from 5pm to 7pm, or pop into the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre for some bannock and tea.

Fireweed Community Market Whitehorse Yukon

Fact File:

Fireweed Market
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

When & Where?

Thursdays 3pm-8pm, from May 19 to September 8, at Shipyards Park.
Saturdays 11am-3pm, from July 2 to August 20, on the wharf beside the old firehall.

www.fireweedmarket.ca

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